Old Town – Page 14 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scottish International Storytelling Festival – Programme Announced

● International Guest Storytellers from Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Germany

● Tales by Scotland’s Travelling Community

● Over 60 Go Local Events

● Dark Tales for Halloween and the Brothers Grimm

TODAY (Wed 10 Sep) with support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 36th festival programme.

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (22 October to 1 November 2025) organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), is the world’s largest annual celebration of storytelling.

This year’s theme ‘Lights of the North’ explores Scotland’s northern identity through sharing tales from the world’s northern arc, which bridges Finland to Iceland and connects Germany to Norway, with Scotland in between.

Over the 11 days of the festival, some of the North’s most celebrated storytellers will join leading voices from Scotland to bring a feast of traditional storytelling to Edinburgh and to venues across Scotland.

International guest storytellers including Anna-Maria Toivonen from Finland; Georgiana Keable Jerstad and Mimesis Heidi Dahlsveen from Norway; Hjörleifur Stefánsson from Iceland; Jerker Fahlström from Sweden; and Suse Weisse from Germany; will share tales of Vikings, Huldufólk (or the hidden people from Iceland), trolls, the dark northern winters and some of their favourite traditional folktales.

Joining them, will be some of Scotland’s most celebrated storytellers, who will present new work themed on the ‘Lights of the North’, and their own twist on some classic tales including:

● Of Stars, Bears and the Beginning of Time (Wed 22 Oct) presented by storyteller Riikka Palonenand accompanied by folk musician Richard Clarke. Riikka will take audiences on a mythical journey through the celestial origin stories of the Fenno-Baltic tradition.

● The People of the Sea (Thu 23 Oct) inspired by David Thomson’s remarkable work about selkie myths and coastal voices told by Ruth Kirkpatrick and Colin Urwin.

● Selkie: Past, Present, Future (Fri 24 Oct) with Niall Moorjani and Ailsa Dixon who explore what it is to be human through three queered and reimagined selkies set in the past, present and future.

● Land of Many Waters (Sat 25 Oct) with Eileen Budd, David McAlmont and Debbie Armour whopresent stories inspired by Scottish rivers and waters, the stories they carry and their fragile eco-system.

● He Sits on the Rock of Joy (Sun 26 Oct) with storyteller Linda Perttula and singer-songwriter Aino Elina who combine their own teenage memories, with ancient poetry and ethereal vocals in the search for a connection to this Finnish epic.

● Da Winters O Shetland (Sun 26 Oct) with storyteller and comedian Marjolein Robertson, who takes us on a story arc across the dark night of a Shetland winter.

● Gullrun’s Saga: A Viking Story (Thu 30 Oct) with storyteller Svend-Erik Engh and Scottish musician Neil Sutcliffe who present an original story inspired by the Icelandic sagas.

Classic tales with a twist include:

● Claire Hewitt presenting the magical tale of The Swan Woman with Anna-Maria Toivonen.

● Mark Borthwick retelling the tale of The War of the Birds.

● Sarah Wedderburn-Ogilvy, Isobel O’Donovan, Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown and Trinidad Cabezón Droguett reimagining the forgotten tale of St Enoch through the journey of four women making their lives in Glasgow.

● Monica Madas and Erin Farley using puppetry and song to tell the epic tale of Triduana and her journey to take Saint Andrew’s bones to Scotland.

● Tania Allan and Craig McCulloch’s take on traditional Selkie myths and the parallels between the silence and captivity found in deafness.

The festival is also packed with rich tales and songs from Scotland’s Travelling Community that have been passed down through generations. With Jess Smith and Jimmy Williamson sharing well known tales, and Marion Kenny paying homage to Duncan Williamson with a retelling of The King and The Lamp. This year’s Alan Bruford lecture will also discuss ‘Nackens’ (Scottish Gypsy Travellers) and how their folklore gives us unique insights into Scotland’s history and placenames. This will be led by author Dr Robert Fell who will be joined by Shamus McPhee to recount a tale about Balquhidder and how it got its name. Plus, piper Gary West, author of the Martyn Bennett biography Brave New Music, hosts a live event celebrating the Traveller ballads and stories which influenced the late musician’s work.

As we edge closer to Halloween,and the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park, the festival embraces the dark side of storytelling with Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright sharing stories and songs about the unnerving and haunted corpse roads in Cumbria, where the dead passed through on the way to their graves; Anna Lehr presents Dazwischen – a tale about death, birth and what lies between; Chair of the Scottish Storytelling Forum, and celebrant, Beverley Bryant leads a workshop on Mortality and Making and how we craft conversations about death whilst participants weave willow and make decorations for coffins; and Suse Weisse in association with Goethe-Institut, shares some of the Brother Grimm’s fairy tales and tales fit for The Bewitching Season on Hallow’s Eve.

For younger audiences and families there’s a packed programme of events over the October school holidays kicking off on Saturday 11 October, ahead of the festival’s main programme (22 Oct to 1 Nov). Family highlights include sensory storytelling fun with Fibi Cowley in A Dispute with a Butterfly told through puppetry; and sensory stories with Ailie Finlay in Tales of Cold Forests and Cosy Bears.There’s also percussive dancing from Tokyo-born stepdancer Kae Sakurai in BLOOM; a family ceilidh with the Minnow Ceilidh Band; songs and stories about dragons with Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown and Gaynor Barradell; and plenty of events outdoors including the return of the Botanics Storytelling Day and Macastory’s School for Skalds.

Plus, Allison Galbraith delights audiences with folk tales about our Scottish waters and will announce the winners of this year’s Words of the Wild nature writing competition run in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Also, new for 2025, three emerging storytellers present their own work themed around shame, consent and survival, in association with FEST (Federation of European Storytelling).

This year’s workshop programmeis packed with tips on telling stories including a look at using BSL in storytelling and how facial expression and movement can help bring a story to life; tech and storytelling with the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s very own inhouse expert Roddy Simpson discussing how best to present storytellers on the stage; what music can add to stories; and the ethical considerations behind using recordings and archive material. Plus, Boglárka Klitsie-Szabad of the Hungarian Heritage House explores the rich repertoire of one of Hungary’s last traditional Roma storytellers Vilmos Csipkés; and Anna Lehr discusses classic fairy tales particularly those of the Brothers Grimm.

Throughout the festival, audiences can also enjoy relaxed Open Hearth gatherings of storytellers and musicians across four evenings in the Storytelling Centre’s Netherbow Theatre.

Go Local returns this year, with new voices from East Lothian and Shetland joining storytellers from all over Scotland throughout October and November to celebrate Scottish storytelling. From the Western Isles, to Dumfries and Galloway there will be over 60 Go Local events in this year’s programme, plus the international storytellers invited to participate in this year’s festival, will also perform in Glasgow, Kenmore, Aberfeldy and Dundee; and as guests at storytelling festivals in Orkney, Aberdeen and Dumfries and Galloway.

Finally, this year’s festival exhibition Stories Drawn from the Land, hosted at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will feature ink illustrations and ceramics by Hester Aspland, whose work is rooted in the realms of folklore, wild places, landscape and history. Hester is also the illustrator of this year’s festival programme.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:

“The fantastic programme for this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival features something for everyone and brings together stars of Scotland’s storytelling scene with our north Atlantic neighbours to give light to dark winter nights through mystical stories and songs.

“The festival received £200,000 this year from our EXPO fund as part of a record increase in culture funding from the Scottish Government. We are proud to support this celebration of Scotland’s storytelling heritage and its important place on the world stage.”

Donald Smith, Scottish International Storytelling Festival Director said: “I’m very inspired by the chemistry of this year’s programme. Northern stories come from the forests, mountains and oceans, while drawing on an eerie imagination, surreal humour and hidden connections between human and natural spirits. Inner and outer journeys collide with unexpected magic. And Scotland is a hub and a crucible of this unique northern brew!”

Performing at today’s launch, with musician Richard Clarke, storyteller Riikka Palonen said: “This festival is a very special and exciting time for me – as a relatively recent arrival on these shores, I feel honoured to be able to present the stories from my home land, here in the land of my new home.

The stories I will be telling are rooted in the celestial origins of our northern mythology – tales born of the stars – and just as the starlight brings its glow to the darkening nights, I hope my tales can also cast a little light and wonder, if even for a short while.”

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place from Wednesday 22 October to Saturday 1 November. For those planning on attending multiple events, the Festival Supporter Pass (£24) offers discounted tickets to many festival events, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as a discount at the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s bookshop, Haggis Box Café and an invitation to the Festival launch event.

There will also be BSL interpretation available for D/deaf audiences at selected events.

To purchase tickets and browse the full programme, visit sisf.org.uk

Edinburgh hosts International Fair Trade Towns Conference

Last weekend, Edinburgh welcomed delegates from across the globe for the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, a three-day event dedicated to strengthening the international movement for fair and sustainable trade.

The event opened on Friday 30 August with a reception at the City Chambers, chaired by Rachel Farey of the Edinburgh City Fair Trade Group. Among the speakers were Foysol Choudhury MSP, Labour’s spokesperson for Culture, Europe and International Development; Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron; Thembisile Mnisi from Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa; and Louise Davies from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum.

Delegates also visited the Scottish Parliament, where they joined a Q&A session with Foysol Choudhury MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.

The visit set the tone for the week, with Mr Choudhury opening the programme by reflecting on Scotland’s achievements: “In 2023, Scotland marked 10 years as a Fair Trade Nation, a milestone reflecting the dedication of communities, campaigners, and businesses working to make trade fair, just, and sustainable.

“Today, we continue to champion Fair Trade with pride, and I am delighted that Edinburgh is at the heart of that journey.”

This year’s conference theme, “Your Town, Our World: Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, framed discussions on how local initiatives can contribute to global system change. Delegates took part in interactive workshops on climate action, wellbeing economies, youth engagement, digitalisation and the power of storytelling in driving social change.

Closing the weekend, Mr Choudhury added: “Fair Trade has always shown us that local action can drive global change, and the stories we are hearing here in Edinburgh prove just that.

“I am proud that Scotland is hosting this conversation, and I look forward to seeing the collaborations and commitments that emerge from this weekend.”

War Without Bullets screening

FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 5.30pm

WAR WITHOUT BULLETS

Join Edinburgh Tool Library and The Crannie for a screening of a powerful short film, War Without Bullets, about Glaswegian activist Cathy McCormack – who transformed her fight against poor housing conditions in her own community into a global movement for health justice.

The film will be accompanied by food and an open conversation about our experiences and hopes for our own homes, and our struggles and successes with fighting for safe and healthy housing conditions.

There will be more information about housing and energy advice at the event if you have any specific questions about your own situation.

12 Sept, 5.30pm

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/war-without-bullets-tickets-1423433551069?aff=oddtdtcreator

Two Edinburgh-based artists chosen for first residency at The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Collection Trust has announced an artist residency in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) at The University of Edinburgh for the upcoming major exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Artists Phoebe Leach and Dette Allmark, both ECA alumni, will be responding to the masterpieces on display and drawing in the Gallery throughout the exhibition’s run, with their creations forming a changing display for visitors.

The residency, which is the first at The King’s Gallery in Edinburgh, has been organised in partnership with ECA, a leading international art school within The University of Edinburgh that traces its history back to 1760.

Drawing the Italian Renaissance, which opens on 17 October 2025, will be the widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in Scotland for over 50 years. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian are among more than 80 works on display, with 45 drawings going on show in Scotland for the first time.

The residency programme will demonstrate how drawing remains a vital practice for artists today, just as it was for the artists of the Italian Renaissance.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be encouraged to take inspiration from the works on display and try their hand at drawing, with pencils and paper freely available in the Gallery.

For artist Phoebe Leach, who was raised in Lincolnshire and graduated from ECA in 2024, drawing has been critical to her work. As a painter and printmaker, she explores how people experience and interact with the world around them, with drawing allowing her to shed light on often unseen spaces.

Since October 2024, Phoebe has been documenting the work of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Drawing brain surgeries and operations from life, she has created a unique record of the unit’s surgical activities and the experiences of patients (above).

Phoebe Leach said: ‘It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of this residency so early in my career, just a year after graduating.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with the works in the exhibition – studying the techniques of the Old Masters to refine my own technical drawing skills, while also creating contemporary interpretations in response.

“Most of all, I’m excited to record the activity of visitors and their interaction with the exhibition to create live response drawings in the Gallery space.”

Dette Allmark, who graduated from ECA with a degree in Tapestry in 2000 and a Master’s in Illustration in 2022, as well as spending a year at the Royal Drawing School in 2007, is an established artist, illustrator and writer who has been a long-term resident of Edinburgh.

Drawing forms the basis for all Dette’s work, but it has increasingly grown in importance for her as an art form in its own right.

It provides a way for her to process the world around her to make sense of her life and experiences, with much of Dette’s work exploring the narratives, myths and archetypes that surround women.

Dette is currently a visiting artist to Scottish Opera in Glasgow, observing and drawing from rehearsals and live performances.

Dette Allmark said: ‘The characters and worlds created by the Renaissance artists not only capture beauty, ignite awe and tell stories but also allow us to see that these artists scrutinised their world, the imagined world and its characters to understand more about themselves, humanity and spirituality.

“I draw to make sense of my experiences, and I hope the visitors will be inspired to revisit what it is to play with a pencil, lay their judgement aside and conjure up a visual world that is uniquely theirs.’

Professor Juan Cruz, ECA Principal, Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh said: ‘We’re thrilled that alumni of Edinburgh College of Art will be involved in this landmark exhibition, bringing some of the greatest works of the Italian Renaissance to Scotland for the first time.

“Drawing, in many guises, continues to be a vital part of creative practice, and this residency offers a unique opportunity for our graduates to engage with these historic works in a live public setting. We look forward to seeing how they interpret and respond to the collection through their own creative lens.’

Lauren Porter, Senior Curator of Works on Paper and curator of the exhibition, said: ‘We are delighted to have Phoebe and Dette as the first artists in residence at The King’s Gallery in Edinburgh.

“Drawing was fundamental to the Italian Renaissance and the residency will show its continued importance while offering both artists the time to engage with and respond to the works in their own unique way. We hope that visitors will not only enjoy seeing the artists at work and their drawings on display, but also feel inspired to pick up a pencil and try their hand at drawing.’

Highlights of the exhibition’s accompanying programme of events will include a Gallery Late with music, crafts, and drop-in talks, and family workshops which will explore the exhibition through yoga, storytelling, and drawing.

The two artists in residence will take part in family and community group events, while also on select days offering drop-in support, advice and discussion on drawing in the Gallery.

The hidden folklore shaping Edinburgh’s past revealed in new tour

This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.

Throughout the month, Edinburgh’s hidden streets will reveal the stories that have plagued the city for centuries, as visitors wander through the dimly lit closes, guided by tales – steeped in history – of witches and fairies.

From the eerie glow of the Will-o’-the-Wisp to the mysterious tiny coffins un-earthed on Arthur’s Seat, discover how these incredible stories have shaped the city’s identity and continue to echo beneath its streets.

Among the figures brought to life on the tour are the Glaistig, half-woman and half-goat, said to guard cattle and mislead travellers, the sound of pipers believed to remain lost beneath the city, and headless drummers once thought to warn off danger.

Legends of goddesses and fairies blur the line between history and myth, weaving tales that link Edinburgh’s present to the lives, dreams, and anxieties of those who walked its closes centuries ago.

In 2024, The Real Mary King’s Close was crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction in the TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards ‘Best of the Best’, also ranking 11th among Europe’s top visitor attractions. It continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Edinburgh has always been a city of stories, and the Close holds some of its darkest and most captivating.

“These legends reveal the fears and beliefs of the real people who lived here, and experiencing them underground, in the streets where these lives unfolded, makes the past feel immediate and alive.”

The new Myths and Legends tours take place every Friday and Saturday throughout September, starting on 5th September, with two departures each day at 16.00 and 17.30.

The one-hour tours are limited to 20 guests, and visitors are advised to prebook as tours are expected to sell out fast.

TONIGHT: An evening of music inspired by the work of John Bellany

Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral

TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.

On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.

A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.

Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.

Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:

Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
Julia Hart (violin)
Cameron Smith (cello)
Erin Sawicka (piano)

The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.

The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.

This special event coincides with the City Art Centre’s major exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, on display nearby until 28 September.

The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.

“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.

The original Elephant House Café set to reopen four years after devastating fire

£150,000 ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign launched
Appeal for ‘fandals’ to support restoration

The original world-famous Elephant House Café, renowned as the birthplace of Harry Potter, is set to reopen following a devastating fire that forced its closure four years ago.

Today, the owners have announced an ambitious restoration plan, including the launch of the ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign to help bring the beloved literary landmark back to life.

A must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans worldwide, The Elephant House Café became famous for being one of J.K. Rowling’s favourite writing spots in the early days of the series.

Fans from across the globe flocked to the café to soak up its magical atmosphere and, in true Potterhead tradition, scrawled messages of admiration, quotes, and artwork in the toilets – a spontaneous tribute that became an iconic feature of the café’s history and a symbol of the love people had for the café and the stories born within its walls.

As part of the fundraising efforts, the café owners are now appealing for the graffiti ‘fandals’ to support the crowdfunder for the opportunity to come back and leave their mark again.

“The Elephant House has always been a home for writers, dreamers, and fans of literature,” said David Taylor, owner of The Elephant House Café. “The fire was a heartbreaking loss, but the passion and enthusiasm from fans have been overwhelming.

“The scale of the devastation caused by the fire in such an historic building in the heart of a world heritage site means restoration is complex. We are determined to bring back this special place, and with the ‘Restore the magic’ campaign, we hope to unite the community and fans worldwide to help us rebuild.”

The restoration project aims to preserve the charm and legacy of The Elephant House while modernising it to create an even more welcoming space for writers, readers, and coffee lovers.

The fundraising campaign will offer multiple ways for supporters to contribute, including exclusive merchandise, sponsorship opportunities, and donation tiers that allow fans to leave their mark in creative ways within the rebuilt café.

The crowdfunder is now live at Restore The Magic: Rebuild The Elephant House | Indiegogo

Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend Legion Scotland VJ Day service

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH COMMEMORATE VJ DAY 80

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among a host of dignitaries and special guests who laid wreaths to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day yesterday (Friday).

Held within the Scottish National War Memorial, the Duke and Duchess attended the special service, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland and led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, and were joined by the Rt. Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Veterans, Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President, Royal British Legion Scotland, Colonel Patrick O’Meara QAM, Poppyscotland, Elaine Edwards, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sue Raw, War Widows Association, among others.

As well as paying homage to those who lost their lives during the war, those in attendance heard the stories of World War II veterans Bill Ramage, Whitson Johnston and Jack Ransom, all of whom have since sadly died.

The trio had previously spoken about that day on 15 August, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and how it was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the war was finally over.

Also present at the event was Jenny Martin, whose mother was pregnant when she was captured by the Japanese in the fall of Singapore in 1942, and was born a Far East prisoner of war spending the first three years of her life in captivity.

Charmaine McMeekin, the daughter of British Army Officer and author of The Railway Man, Eric Lomax, and Nigel Robb, the son of Flt Sgt George Deuchar Robb from the 117 Sqn RAF, who flew Bristol Beaufighters in India were also in attendance.

Music was performed by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Edinburgh Voices choir and Piper, Ronan Gilchrist.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It’s hugely important that we commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day, a day that marked the end of six years of world war.

“We were honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance, as well as World War II veterans and their families, especially in such a historic setting as the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.

“We hope others stop and take a moment of reflection today to remember the importance of VJ Day 80 years on.”

Music on the Mezzanine returns to Central Library

MUSIC ON THE MEZZANINE RETURNS

Music on the Mezzanine, Central Library’s programme of free Saturday lunchtime concerts, returns for a new season on Saturday 30 August at 1pm.

Ten fortnightly concerts throughout the autumn will feature new performers and groups you have asked to see and hear again.

Kicking off the 2025/26 season is Music on the Mezzanine favourite Django’s Swing. This Edinburgh-based, jazz-guitar duo will perform a programme of Gypsy Swing in the style popularised by Django Reinhardt in 1930s Paris.

Find out more about the programme on our blog, Tales of One City:

https://talesofonecity.wordpress.com/…/music-on-the…/

And book tickets via our Ticket Source page:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-central-library

or book in person at the Music Library desk.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 30th August!

#freelunchtimeconcerts

#newseason

Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer pays tribute to the late Rt Hon Sir George Reid

The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, has paid tribute to former Presiding Officer and MSP, Rt Hon Sir George Reid, following his death in the early hours of Tuesday 12 August.

The Rt Hon Sir George Reid served as Deputy Presiding Officer from 1999 to 2003, and then as Presiding Officer from 2003 to 2007. He was elected as MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region from 1999 to 2003 and then for the Ochil constituency from 2003 to 2007.

During his time as Presiding Officer, he oversaw the completion of the new Scottish Parliament building, opening in 2004. He was also MP for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire from 1974 to 1979.

A Book of Condolence has been opened and flags at the Scottish Parliament lowered as a mark of respect.

On his passing, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said: “On behalf of all at the Scottish Parliament, I express our deepest sadness at the death of our second Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Sir George Reid.

“He’ll be remembered not only for bringing the Holyrood construction project to completion, but for building confidence and ambition in our young Parliament.

“A proud son of Clackmannanshire and an internationalist by outlook, he was determined to put Holyrood on the map at home and abroad, and very much succeeded. By the time he left office, Holyrood was established at the centre of public life in Scotland and over a million people had visited to see for themselves the new Parliament in action.

“The story of devolution and the early years of our Parliament will remember George fondly and with gratitude. My deepest condolences to Daphne, his daughter and grandchildren and his many friends and colleagues. Sir George was welcoming and supportive to me, in Holyrood and outwith. He will be very much missed.

“Flags at Holyrood have been lowered as a mark of respect.”